We were lucky to catch up with Tyler McNeil recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tyler, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Growing up in the church, I was always around music and musicians, but I didn’t act on the music bug until I got older. During the pandemic I began to truly hone in on my craft, which led to making music every day. My mission was to get better and learn something new each day, and that mission is still a driving force for me currently. Within that mission to pursue constant growth, I truly fell in love with the process of creating because I realized that the magic is found within the process – not the outcome. Ultimately, I’m still learning my craft each and every day, and I will be a life-long learner because I will always believe that there is room for improvement no matter how much growth I achieve.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a R&B artist, producer, and songwriter from Durham, NC, but most importantly I am a music lover. I am also a proud graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Being a producer first, I think that provides me with a viewpoint that allows me to understand how to build a song from beginning to end. Additionally, that viewpoint allows me to truly dial in on the structural needs of a song. I also believe I possess a certain level of discipline that a lot of people don’t have due to my time spent studying the art of Taekwondo. I am a fifth-degree black belt and that alone took a lot of discipline and commitment to achieve. Most importantly, I think the compassion I have for people sets me apart. I just love meeting people and having the opportunity to listen and learn from their stories. Ultimately, I want to see everyone succeed because there is enough room for all of us to be successful.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

To be the best version of myself. Throughout my childhood, my parents and family members always pushed me to be the best me I can be in every aspect of my life. I bring that same approach to my creative journey. I just want to constantly grow not only as a creative, but as a person because that is what life is about. Additionally, I want to be one of the best overall and I am more than willing to put forth the time and energy to achieve that goal.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect about being an artist/creative is the people I’ve met. On my journey so far, I’ve met some extremely genuine people who have to taught me many valuable lessons. The most important person I’ve met on my journey is Todd Zack Jr. Todd is not only an amazing artist, songwriter, producer, and Swiss army knife who excels at everything he does, but he is an amazing person. Additionally, he is the mentor and big brother that I have always needed.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tyler.mcneil_
• Twitter: @TylerGMcNeil
• Other: Tyler McNeil on all digital streaming platforms for my music.

Image Credits
Photos by Morgan McNeil & Todd Zack Jr.